CVE-2026-42944
unbound: Heap overflow and crash with multiple nsid, cookie, padding EDNS options
Severity
ImportantRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · May 20, 2026
Updated · August 25, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in Unbound, a Domain Name System (DNS) resolver. A remote attacker could trigger a heap overflow by sending specially crafted DNS reply packets. This occurs when Unbound attempts to encode multiple Name Server Identifier (NSID) or Extension Mechanisms for DNS (EDNS) Cookie options, or EDNS Padding options, and these options are enabled. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service (DoS), making the Unbound service unavailable.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 7.5CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
CWE-131 · Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size